Italians Create Vegan Leather Made from Mushroom Caps

An Italian fabric manufacturer has created Muskin, an animal-free mushroom-based leather. The 100-percent biodegradable textile—made by Grado Zero Espace—is extracted from Chinese mushroom caps and undergoes a natural tanning process the company says is totally absent of chemicals. Everything from purses, watchstraps, shoe insoles, hats, and lampshades can be made using Muskin, which Grado Zero Espace describes as being suede-like but much softer, breathable, pliable, and suitable for direct skin contact. According to the company, the material also deters the proliferation of bacteria, while having “the strong capacity to absorb moisture, and then release it.” Muskin’s advent follows cruelty-free leathers made from kombucha and pineapple.